Caughlin Ranch is an upscale master-planned community in southwest Reno, Nevada, characterized by its tree-lined streets, extensive trail system, and proximity to both urban conveniences and natural landscapes. Spanning over 2,300 acres, this neighborhood blends luxury living with suburban accessibility, though its sprawling layout and environmental exposure introduce specific security and infrastructure considerations.

Demographics & Housing

Caughlin Ranch hosts a stable, affluent population with a focus on single-family residences.

Population and Income

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates for ZIP code 89519, Caughlin Ranch has an estimated population of 9,500 residents. The median age is 47.8 years, suggesting a mature demographic of families and retirees. The racial makeup is predominantly White (87%), with Hispanic (6%) and Asian (4%) minorities. The median household income stands at $135,000, well above Reno’s citywide median of $67,000, underscoring its high socioeconomic status.¹

Housing Characteristics

The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, with a median value of $850,000. The homeownership rate is 88%, with 12% of properties rented, often to professionals or seasonal residents. Homes average 3,200 square feet, and many feature large lots backing onto greenbelts or creeks, enhancing privacy but potentially increasing burglary risks due to limited visibility from neighbors.¹

Crime Environment

Caughlin Ranch benefits from low crime rates, though its layout and wealth present targeted risks.

Crime Statistics

Per the Reno Police Department’s 2022 crime data, Caughlin Ranch recorded 5 violent crimes and 78 property crimes. With a population of 9,500, this translates to a violent crime rate of 0.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents—far below Reno’s averages of 5.9 and 53.9 per 1,000, respectively, per the FBI’s 2022 Uniform Crime Reporting Program.²

Security Vulnerabilities

The neighborhood employs private security patrols and relies on homeowners’ association (HOA) oversight, reducing petty crime. However, its extensive trail network and wooded areas provide concealment for intruders, particularly during evening hours when foot traffic is low. Property crimes, such as theft from vehicles or homes, peak during summer months when residents travel.²

Infrastructure Challenges

Caughlin Ranch’s infrastructure supports its suburban character but faces environmental and logistical hurdles.

Transportation Issues

Access is provided by Caughlin Parkway and McCarran Boulevard, with well-maintained roads but occasional congestion at peak commute times. Winter snow can render steep residential streets slippery, slowing emergency response. Public transit options are limited, with the nearest Regional Transportation Commission stops over a mile away, impacting evacuation efficiency.³

Utility Reliability

NV Energy reports 3 outages in 2022, averaging 1.2 hours each, typically weather-related. The Truckee Meadows Water Authority ensures reliable water supply, though aging pipes in older sections occasionally cause leaks, potentially disrupting service during repairs. These interruptions could affect security alarms or sprinkler systems critical for fire safety.⁴

Employment & Lifestyle

Caughlin Ranch residents enjoy a blend of professional opportunities and outdoor-focused living.

Economic Base

The workforce includes executives, healthcare professionals, and retirees, with many commuting to downtown Reno (15 minutes away) or working remotely. Washoe County’s 2022 unemployment rate was 4.2%, per the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation. Proximity to employers like Renown Health and the University of Nevada, Reno supports economic stability.⁵

Lifestyle Factors

The Caughlin Ranch trail system, spanning 10 miles, connects parks, ponds, and open spaces, fostering an active community. The Village Green Park and Caughlin Club offer recreational and fitness facilities. However, the dispersed layout and reliance on cars reduce evening street activity, potentially lowering natural surveillance.⁵

Community Amenities & Vulnerabilities

Caughlin Ranch balances premium amenities with exposure to natural hazards.

Amenities

Residents benefit from HOA-maintained parks, tennis courts, and a community center. The neighborhood falls within the Washoe County School District, with access to high-performing schools like Caughlin Ranch Elementary (rated 8/10 by state metrics). Gated sections enhance security, though most areas remain open to public access.⁶

Natural and Service-Related Risks

Situated near the Sierra Nevada foothills, Caughlin Ranch faces elevated wildfire risk, with dry vegetation and prevailing winds noted in Washoe County Emergency Management’s 2023 report. Evacuation routes are limited by single-access roads in some areas. Emergency response times average 10-15 minutes, slower than central Reno due to distance and terrain.⁷

Sources

1. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2022
2. Reno Police Department, Crime Statistics Report, 2022
3. City of Reno, Transportation Improvement Plan, 2023
4. NV Energy, Power Outage Reports, 2022
5. Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, Labor Market Information, 2022
6. Washoe County School District, School Performance Reports, 2023
7. Washoe County Emergency Management, Wildfire Risk Assessment, 2023